A message from Sharif A. Shivji KC, Chair of Advocate, as you complete your Authorisation to Practise

Advocate is the Bar’s pro bono charity. Our work is founded on a simple but powerful principle: a lack of means should never be a barrier to justice. As you complete your authorisation to practise (ATP), you can help us ensure this principle accords with reality by donating to Advocate. Your support allows us to provide free advice and representation to those who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn.

We are supported by thousands of wonderful barristers who give up their time for free across the country. We operate across every area of law, and in every court and tribunal. In both scope and function, we are truly unique.

The Bar has a long and proud tradition of pro bono work, stretching back to the earliest days of our justice system, and we rely entirely on the Bar for both funding and volunteering. Our pro bono barristers provide access to justice for vulnerable people at a time when there are great challenges in our society. They give a voice to those who would otherwise never be heard or noticed. These cases can be life-changing for those involved: a home saved, a family reunited, a fair wage earned.

As part of the BSB’s annual Authorisation to Practise process, barristers will be invited to donate £35 to Advocate. We would be delighted if you would consider doing so. These donations form the core of Advocate’s funding for the year, and we rely on the many thousands of barristers who donate through this process to fund our work. Without these contributions, we could not provide our service.

As one person to whom recently provided assistance said:

“Before Advocate intervened, my situation felt overwhelming and hopeless. I genuinely believed my life had taken an irreversible turn for the worse. Your organisation gave me access to help I could never have afforded, and you opened a path that has now allowed me to move forward with my life. I still cannot fully believe that we managed to get this far.”

Thank you to all barristers, clerks and chambers’ staff for your support to Advocate and our work in advancing access to justice and upholding the rule of law. Your support continues to help us make a real difference. 

-Sharif A. Shivji, Chair of Advocate

Find out more about donating to Advocate when renewing your practising certificate.